Special needs trusts are often created and funded by families who care for loved ones with disabilities or special needs. It can provide peace of mind to improve a family member’s future quality of life without jeopardizing their eligibility for government benefits. However, families must also consider the tax implications associated with a special needs trust before implementing the legal documents.
Tax Form 1041
A disability attorney or special needs planning attorney may often collaborate with a CPA, tax attorney, or other financial professionals to help their client understand how special needs trust taxation works. Typically, beneficiaries of a trust pay taxes on income distributions they receive from the trust’s principal. When a trust makes a distribution, there is a deduction of the income distributed from the trust’s tax return. Tax Form 1041 is the form used to document taxable income distributed to a beneficiary.
Schedule K-1
The beneficiary then receives a Schedule K-1, indicating how much of the distribution received is interest income versus principal. The distinction between the trust’s interest income and the principal determines the taxable income to claim on the beneficiary’s tax return.
Distribution from the principal balance of the trust has no tax consequences. The IRS assumes these funds were taxed before being placed into the trust. Income earned distributed from the principal funding carries a tax liability.
Overall, tax rules on special needs trusts can be pretty straightforward. However, the income tax rules become more complex depending on the type of special needs trust.
First and Third-party Trusts
A first-party or grantor trust's funding comes from the beneficiary, typically from an inheritance, the proceeds of a personal injury settlement, retirement plan, divorce settlement, or life insurance policy. It is usually required to have a payback provision for repayment to the state upon the beneficiary's death. The repayment covers Medicaid benefits the beneficiary receives during their lifetime. This trust is mainly funded by a donor-beneficiary under 65 years of age.
Because transferring assets into a first-party special needs trust permits an individual to qualify for government benefits such as Medicaid and SSI, most states don't protect the trust's assets from creditor claims to the beneficiary. Because all trust assets can satisfy the beneficiary's debts and provide benefits, the IRS treats taxation as if there were no trust. So if the trust receives investment income, the taxes are assessed as income directly received by the beneficiary, even if the income is not yet distributed and remains in the trust.
A third-party trust receives funding from someone other than the trust's beneficiary. This funding can be via life insurance policies, personal wealth, or other financial resources. However, third-party trust funding often occurs upon a family member's death and is known as a testamentary trust. Assets transferring to a third-party trust during the funder's lifetime, rather than death, may include trust language permitting the trust income to be taxable to the donor rather than the beneficiary or the trust. Sometimes referred to as an "intentionally defective grantor trust," it can create advantageous situations, such as lowering the beneficiary's tax bracket.
Complicated Interest, Dividends and Capital Gains
A typical third-party special needs testamentary trust is responsible for paying the income tax directly from the trust. Income tax brackets for trusts are subject to generally high rates, but the trust may deduct what it pays out to its beneficiary. However, the income to the beneficiary is taxable through issuing a K-1 showing taxable income to the IRS. The situation becomes more complex when treating interest and dividends as taxable income. Yet, capital gains distributions via mutual funds may not be treated as income, remaining trapped in the trust and taxable.
Before finalizing plans for a loved one’s special needs trust, it is critical to assess how the trust and its beneficiary will be taxed in the future. Understanding the tax laws regarding special needs trusts requires disability planning and tax law expertise. Collaboration with special needs and disability lawyers, including tax specialists, can help you craft a special needs trust and estate plan that will provide the best advantage for the future of your disabled loved one.
Please contact our Phoenix office at 480-699-3145 today and schedule an appointment to discuss how we can help you with your legal questions.


A critical incident can be any sudden and unexpected incident or sequence of events which causes trauma within a school community and that overwhelms the normal coping mechanisms of that school. Examples of such events include deaths or near-deaths and acts of physical and psychological violence.
The district has a comprehensive critical incidents response plan to support students and staff. Experience has shown that schools that have a plan in place will handle the situation better. They tend to provide the best support to students, staff and families and return to normality sooner while continuing to be alert to the vulnerability of all concerned. The primary goal of a critical incident response plan is to help all those affected, and the system, to return to pre-incident functioning, or optimally to achieve even greater integration and functioning.


Even those who have saved millions must prepare for a lifestyle adjustment . A successful retirement is not merely measured in financial terms. Even those who retire with small fortunes can face boredom or depression and the fear of drawing down their savings too fast. How can new retirees try to calm these worries?
Two factors may help: a gradual retirement transition and some guidance from a financial professional.
An abrupt break from the workplace may be unsettling. As a hypothetical example, imagine a well-paid finance manager at an auto dealership whose personal identity is closely tied to his job. His best friends are all at the dealership. He retires, and suddenly his friends and sense of purpose are absent. He finds that he has no compelling reason to leave the house, nothing to look forward to when he gets up in the morning. Guess what? He hates being retired.
On the other hand, if he prepares for retirement years in advance of his farewell party by exploring an encore career, engaging in varieties of self-employment, or volunteering, he can retire with something promising ahead of him. If he broadens the scope of his social life, so that he can see friends and family regularly and interact with both older and younger people in different settings, his retirement may also become more enjoyable.
The interests and needs of a retiree can change with age or as he or she disengages from the working world. Retired households may need to adjust their lifestyles in response to this evolution.
Practically all retirees have some financial anxiety. It relates to the fact of no longer earning a conventional paycheck. You see it in couples who have $60,000 saved for retirement; you see it in couples who have $6 million saved for retirement. Their retirement strategies are about to be tested, in real time. All that careful preparation is ready to come to fruition, but there are always unknowns. Some retirees are afraid to spend. They fear spending too much too soon. With help from a financial professional, they can create a strategy. Retirement challenges people in two ways. The obvious challenge is financial; the less obvious challenge is mental. Both tests may be met with sufficient foresight and dedication.
This material was prepared by MarketingPro, Inc., and does not necessarily represent the views of the presenting party, nor their affiliates. This information has been derived from sources believed to be accurate. Please note - investing involves risk, and past performance is no guarantee of future results.


This study aimed to investigate the structural and microstructural changes which were effective on marshmallow dough properties at various albumin percentages (0.1, 0.3, 0.5, 0.7, and 0.9%) and whipping speeds (250, 500, 750, and 1000 rpm) simulated with a rheometer and three levels of a lab-scale mixer at different processing times. In the model (rheometer) system, the most suitable whipping speed was selected as 750 rpm, since the maximum viscosity at the shortest time was achieved. In both systems, adding albumin created higher viscosity and smaller bubble size. Generally, the bubble size decreased during the whipping process. In the real system, the bubble size was larger than the model system, which could be due to intensive beats and more entrance of air. Increasing the network solidity with prolonged whipping caused the structure to break and disturb the big bubbles and decrease the quantity of the trapped air.


Abstract
As space travel is expanding to include private tourism and travel beyond low-Earth orbit, so is the risk of exposure to space radiation. Galactic cosmic rays and solar particle events have the potential to expose space travelers to significant doses of radiation that can lead to increased cancer risk and other adverse health consequences. Metabolomics has the potential to assess an individual's risk by exploring the metabolic perturbations in a biofluid or tissue. In this study, C57BL/6 mice were exposed to 0.5 and 2 Gy of 1 GeV/nucleon of protons and the levels of metabolites were evaluated in urine at 4 h after radiation exposure through liquid chromatography coupled to time-of-flight mass spectrometry. Significant differences were identified in metabolites that map to the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle and fatty acid metabolism, suggesting that energy metabolism is severely impacted after exposure to protons. Additionally, various pathways of amino acid metabolism (tryptophan, tyrosine, arginine and proline and phenylalanine) were affected with potential implications for DNA damage repair and cognitive impairment. Finally, presence of products of purine and pyrimidine metabolism points to direct DNA damage or increased apoptosis. Comparison of these metabolomic data to previously published data from our laboratory with gamma radiation strongly suggests a more pronounced effect on metabolism with protons. This is the first metabolomics study with space radiation in an easily accessible biofluid such as urine that further investigates and exemplifies the biological differences at early time points after exposure to different radiation qualities.


Birth Day
Tomorrow, my daughter will be five. As much as we celebrate her and shower her with love, I can’t help but reflect on the day I found out I was pregnant and the day she came into the world. Although it is her birthday, I was reborn at her birth.
I didn’t want a baby. My husband and I were on the brink of divorce and decided not to have children. One day I was feeling off, and responding to my body I took a pregnancy test. I saw the positive well before the full time allotted for a result to appear. I wasn’t ready. I held a bottle of tequila and cried in disbelief. I spent the first trimester depressed and in bed. And yet, I wanted her. Something in me loved her and just hoped I could be enough for her.
With a difficult pregnancy, birth, and postpartum, I retreated. I tended to her, but I emotionally checked out to escape my fear of not being good enough for her. Even though I was depressed, I longed to be something more for her. I wanted to find me for her.
At my lowest, I chose healing. I decided that my baby girl deserved a whole mother not one in denial of her brokenness. I pursued health in my mind and body so I could show her we are not our struggles. With those choices, change happened. I realized out of my healing, I could help heal others. I found a new career. I found new purpose. I found that motherhood is not simply survival. We do not have to do this alone. From this message, my experiences became my message.
Five years later, I have made a career of helping new mothers. Five years later, she challenges me to be more and be better. She calls me out when I’m not my best. She tells me I’m the best mom. She tells me she is strong and smart and brave. She sings to her brother to soothe his cries. She is now who I want to be.
Tomorrow is her day, but it’s mine too. Not because I carried her for nine months and birthed her from my body, but because I was reborn that day. Regardless of the rollercoaster, I found life from the little one in my arms. Through the low and high moments, I learned and feel unconditional love. Because of her, I am.
Happy birth day, baby girl. To you and me.


Vol. 20, No. 3, 2022
by Lisa Goldberg, Taotao Cai and Pete Hand
We look at an enhanced loss-harvesting strategy, tax-rate arbitrage, which exploits the differential between short- and long-term tax rates. In ourstudy, we examine tax-managed strategies over numerous historical periods. For the ideal tax-rate arbitrage investor, one who is subject to the highest federal-only 2020 tax rates, who has a long horizon and a planned liquidation date, and who launches the strategy from all cash, tax-rate arbitrage generated an average of 0.78% in excess after-tax active return at a 10-year horizon relative to a standard loss-harvesting strategy. Other investors with different profiles may benefit from tax-rate arbitrage but typically to a lesser extent.


As cloud adoption has skyrocketed, so too has the need for securing this vast architecture. 96% of companies now use the public cloud, and leaders recognize the need to secure sensitive data across their entire environment, even that which is not hosted on premise. However, securing the cloud is challenging because of the rapidly changing threat landscape, controls, and skillsets in the cloud environment.
We offer a variety of services designed to secure the cloud environment across access permissions, resource management, configurations, telemetry, and more.
Dennis GrahamCyber Defense Logistics


Renters and homeowners in Pennsylvania may qualify for benefits that can help to cover their housing costs, including property taxes and utilities.
Pennsylvania Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program
The
Pennsylvania Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program is available to income-eligible homeowners or renters in Pennsylvania who are age 65 and older; widows and widowers age 50 and older; and people with disabilities age 18 and older. The income limit is $35,000 a year for homeowners and $15,000 annually for renters, and half of Social Security income is excluded. The maximum standard rebate is $650, but supplemental rebates for qualifying homeowners can boost rebates to $975.
The deadline to apply for the Property Tax/Rent Rebate is
June 30, 2021. Applications can be filed online through the Pennsylvania Department of Revenue. Applicants can also download the application or request one in the mail. Property Tax/Rent Rebate application assistance is available at no cost from Department of Revenue district offices, local Area Agencies on Aging, senior centers and state legislators’ offices. Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program
The
Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) helps income-eligible individuals to pay their heating bills in the form of a cash grant. Grants range from $200 to $1,000 based on household size, income, and fuel type. The cash grant is a one-time payment sent directly to the utility company/fuel provider to be credited to the applicants’ bill.
The deadline for the Pennsylvania 2020-2021 LIHEAP season is
April 30, 2021. Applications can be submitted online using COMPASS, the online tool for Pennsylvanians to apply for health and human service programs. Applicants can also download a paper application, print it, fill it out, and return it to their local county assistance office. The Pennsylvania Department of Human Services offers an online tool for individuals to check their eligibility and expected grant amount before they apply. Philadelphia COVID-19 Emergency Rental Assistance Program
The city of Philadelphia is currently accepting application for Phase 4 of the
COVID-19 Emergency Rental Assistance Program (PHLRentAssist). Through PHLRentAssist, the City of Philadelphia has been offering emergency rental assistance to help tenants and landlords who have been impacted by COVID-19.
The current Phase 4 will help between 10,000 and 15,000 Philadelphia renters who are experiencing financial hardship due to the COVID-19 pandemic. To be eligible, renters must: 1. Have a household income at or below 80 percent of the Area Median Income (AMI); 2. Qualify for unemployment benefits or have experienced a reduction in household income, incurred significant costs, or experienced some other financial hardship due to COVID-19; and 3. Demonstrate a risk of experiencing homelessness or housing instability. Tenants can meet this criteria if they have any past-due rent, past due utilities, received an eviction notice, or are paying over one third of their household income on rent.
Landlords and tenants can apply. If a landlord applies, their tenant must be eligible, and they must get written consent from their tenant. If a landlord does not wish to participate, the rental assistance can be paid directly to the tenant.
Applications can
be submitted online. For more information, call the rental assistance hotline at 215-320-7880. The Philly 311 phone operators are available to assist with questions about the rental assistance program between 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. Monday through Friday.


The Tehama Carrier for Work™ for Financial Services Financial institutions face incredible barriers when enabling a hybrid workforce.
The challenge of securing sensitive data and complying with increasingly demanding regulations, while sustaining a productive and connected workforce, is a herculean task. Add on complex IT infrastructure and daily cyber threats, and it’s no wonder that financial institutions have been slower to adopt hybrid work.
In the case of third-party vendors and contractors, the only way to enforce security and compliance is via written contracts and lengthy IT processes for provisioning corporate-owned laptops, which can be compromised once in the hands of the vendor.
The Tehama Carrier for Work™ provides a secure way for banks, credit unions, and fintechs, for example, to work safely with an “anywhere” workforce that includes employees, contractors and third-party service providers.


Chrysler Pacifica is an excellent minivan. The Pacifica has car-like handling, a peppy V6 engine, and exceptional safety scores. Its interior is very well decorated and spacious, with space for up to eight people.
You might be unfamiliar with some of the Chrysler Pacifica model's dashboard lights. Have no fear: We have Chrysler dashboard warning light guide book, which covers some of the essential notifications. If a warning Symbol light on the dashboard of your Chrysler Pacifica when you drive if you're not sure what it means, it is suggested that you drive off the road safely for more information. It is of particular importance if the warning light is red. Red warning lights are critical and can often lead to vehicle damage or a safety hazard to vehicle occupants if left untreated.
Instead of looking in the owner's manual to find the source of the notification you're seeing, why not have a quick reference guide on hand so you can refer to it at a glance? Check this Chrysler Pacifica Dashboard Symbol Guide every time you see a gauge and learn where to go if you need the issue fixed.
This sign means that someone in the driver's or front passenger's seat is not wearing a seat belt. For this light to go out, you must wear your seat belt.
If this light should remain on, it means that the system has detected a malfunction. You can still drive your Chrysler, but know that in the event of an accident, your airbags may not deploy or deploy incorrectly. Because of this, we recommend that you make an appointment with the dealer as soon as possible.
Another warning light that you've probably already seen as it illuminates every time you apply the parking brake. However, if the light is on and you have confirmed that your parking brake is off, it could indicate that there is a problem with your vehicle's brake system. You can continue to drive your vehicle, but the brakes are a critical safety feature of your car, so we recommend bringing it to Renfrew Chrysler as soon as possible.
If this light blink, it is serious, you must inspect the vehicle immediately. If the cause of the following warnings is not investigated, the system may function abnormally and possibly cause an accident. Have the car inspected by the dealer before driving anywhere else. It indicates a malfunction in ABS or the brake assist system.
This warning light is connected with your vehicle's traction control system. If this light blinks, it means the system is working to reduce wheel slip. If the light is solid, it means that the system has been deactivated. If you have not manually disabled this security system, it could mean that there is a failure. The vehicle can still be driven, but we recommend that Chrysler service technicians investigate the cause as soon as possible.
Most new Chrysler vehicles contain a TPS system that continuously monitors tire pressure. If this warning light appears, it means that one or more of your tires are under pressure. Check your tire pressure and re-inflate your tires to the proper PSI; Then, contact Chrysler service center to have your tires inspected as there may be a puncture.
This warning light is connected with your car's power steering. If this light blinks, it a malfunction in the EPS system. If this is not fixed, it may cause an accident. Inspect your Chrysler from service center immediately.
If the light appears and stays on, it means there could be a minor malfunction. It is still safe to drive your vehicle, but you should make an appointment as soon as possible for a professional Chrysler technician to inspect it.If this warning light appears and starts flashing, stop driving your vehicle immediately. It means that the self-diagnosis system has currently detected a malfunction in your engine, and continuing to drive can cause serious damage.
This sign shows you that the turn signal is on. Occasionally, the indicator blinks faster than usual. In this case, check that a bulb in the front or rear turn signals has not gone out.
This dashboard warning light informs the driver that the exterior lights/sidelights/parking lights/headlights are switched on.
This sign indicates that the fog lights are on. Fog lights are low mount lights designed for pavement directly in front of the vehicle. These lights are created to shine "under" the fog rather than into it and are less likely to reflect light rays in the driver's eyes.
This light indicates that the cruise control system of your car is ready or already in use. Use your vehicle's control to adjust your speed, resume, or turn off your cruise control. If the cruise control or any of its associated controls do not function as designed, contact nearby Chrysler dealer to schedule a service appointment.
This sign indicates that the high beams headlight is on. High beam headlights help driver visibility by projecting a bright beam along the road. It should only be used in situations where they cannot see oncoming traffic. Typically It would use in remote areas like mountains or deserts.


EMPEA Insight: Turkey (March 2012)
Turkey’s unique geographic location has long been one of its defining characteristics: a country positioned at the nexus of civilizations and trade routes. While its recent history has been one of macroeconomic volatility, today, Turkey is widely perceived as an island of stability standing between two regions facing immense challenges.
Private equity investors increasingly hold a favorable perception of Turkey. Seeking to capitalize on the country’s growth, macroeconomic stability and compelling demographics, investors have driven deal activity from nine transactions in 2009 to 31 in 2011, with over US$1 billion invested over the three-year period. Nevertheless, as a nascent private equity market, Turkey can present challenges to GPs and LPs. This report explores the dynamics at play within Turkey’s private equity market, and highlights some risks and opportunities for investors.


Kirsty Fife (UCL) - 2018-19 Students k.fife.12@ucl.ac.uk Challenging Voices: Documenting, Archiving and Curating Archival Traces from UK-based DIY Music Subcultures
My PhD explores the documenting, collecting and interpretation of the archival traces and material culture of DIY music subcultures (‘do it yourself’ referring to autonomous modes of cultural production). The recent growth in DIY and community-led digital cultural production has been recognised by the museums and heritage sector (notably the Community Archives and Heritage Group) – however, evidence and material representations of such practices are rarely found in museum and archive collections. This represents a significant potential gap in the documentation of DIY subcultures in the UK and without remedial action these important parts of our heritage are at risk. The need for this study is only increasing as social media platforms become places where cultural producers communicate, organise and promote their work, and as the records created within these cultures become predominantly digital.
For institutions to collect within these subcultures to address these crucial gaps, it is important to develop appropriate participatory and ethical methodologies which make it possible for heritage bodies to collect the material traces from community-led practice and which preserve and engage with the originating politics and context of creator communities.
The objectives of this research are to critically explore the significance of DIY music subcultures and the ethical implications of museum and heritage institutions collecting within these communities. The research aims to build upon existing practice and knowledge within partner organisations and the heritage sector generally to develop and test participatory and collaborative methodologies for co-collecting that can enable the heritage sector to build trust within DIY cultures and develop new collections. To achieve these objectives, the proposed research questions will include the following:
What is the historical significance of DIY music subcultures? How have these cultures changed over time? How, if at all, are these cultures documented? Are any of these historical practices endangered or in need of intervention? How are archives of DIY music subcultures constituted? What existing models of participatory co-production and co-curation are available? How effective, appropriate, sustainable and equitable are those models? How can heritage professionals work with producers and participants in these cultures in an ethical and equitable manner to co-create archives and object collections to ensure the sustaining of the memories of these practices and result in the further co-production of interpretation and knowledge? How can these relationships also benefit producers and participants in these cultures? The project is practice-led and participatory in nature, and would result in (1) a better understanding of the significance and challenges facing collecting community-led DIY music subcultures and (2) a collaborative collecting project which developed transferable models for meeting these challenges.


While it is recommended that adults with IDD see their primary care physician regularly for a comprehensive health examination, less than a quarter in Ontario do so. A recently published study based on interviews with adults with IDD identifies their experiences and their needs when scheduling, traveling to, and attending these medical appointments. Read the findings here: https://bit.ly/2vKyr4g


Did you realize that taking fiery food sources invigorates dissemination and can assist us with improving our sexual coexistence? Their Spanish fly impact can be ascribed to its commitment of capsaicin
All "food sources, beverages or medications that invigorate sexual craving" are characterized as aphrodisiacs. Today we welcome you to find some common aphrodisiacs for ladies.
Common aphrodisiacs have been utilized for millennia in Ayurveda rehearses. Ayurveda is the customary medication of India, which centers around settling on the correct choices for the body and psyche.


A recent case decided by the Michigan Court of Appeals, Cramer v. Oakley, has shed new insight into what it means for a municipality to timely comply with a FOIA request. The distinction recognized by the court in regards to timely complying with a FOIA request is based on the difference between
granting and fulfilling a request.
In Cramer, the plaintiff had submitted six separate FOIA requests seeking information about the Village of Oakley’s reserve police department unit. The requests were submitted on the 15th day of May 2015, which was a Friday. As most municipalities are well aware, the FOIA statute requires a response to a FOIA request within five (5) business days unless it issues a notice to the requesting party extending the period within which it will reply to the request for up to ten (10) additional business days. The Village of Oakley replied to the FOIA requests on May 20, three (3) business days after they received them, stat-ing that the requests were “granted” and that the Village would search its records and provide a copy of all relevant requested documentation at a later date. Plaintiff’s attorney sent a reply arguing that the Village’s action of sending a written statement granting the requests was not sufficient to comply with the FOIA statute and that all documents requested needed to be provided by May 22, 2015, the date which was five (5) business days after the date on which the request was received.
The Village failed to provide all the documents by May 22nd and the plaintiff filed a lawsuit alleging the Village had failed to comply with the FOIA statute.
In its response, the Village argued that sending the letters granting the request within the required timeframe and agreeing to produce the requested documents a short time later was not a violation of the FOIA statute. The Michigan Court of Appeals agreed, ultimately deciding that the granting of a request and the delivery of documents were two different actions and that the FOIA statute only requires a granting of the request within the specified timeframe.
The Court was careful to note that public bodies still must be diligent in fulfilling a FOIA response which has been granted, commenting that an inordinate delay in fulfilling a request may still effectively constitute a denial of a request regardless of the public body labeling its response as a “grant” of the FOIA request. Further, the Court referenced the provision of the FOIA statute permitting a court to award punitive damages to FOIA plaintiffs whose requests were subject to an “arbitrary and capricious ‘refusal or delay in disclosing’ public records.”
Ultimately, the Cramer decision is beneficial for municipalities and other public bodies because it allows for increased flexibility to overburdened FOIA coordinators in fulfilling requests. However, municipalities and other public bodies should still assure they have streamlined and effective processes in place for responding to FOIA requests as they are submitted as the law still requires the grant, denial or seeking of a ten (10) day extension for responding to a FOIA request within five (5) business days after the request is received. Further, municipalities are still best served by having a process that allows for the efficient and timely fulfillment of granted FOIA requests so they can avoid further litigation and allegations that they have effectively denied a request they claimed to have granted.
Do not hesitate to contact your principal municipal representative in the event you need assistance with your FOIA process or in responding to FOIA requests.


Joint embedding: A scalable alignment to compare individuals in a connectivity space Nenning KH., Xu T., Schwartz E., Arroyo J., Woehrer A., Franco AR., Vogelstein JT., Margulies DS., Liu H., Smallwood J., Milham MP., Langs G.
A common coordinate space enabling comparison across individuals is vital to understanding human brain organization and individual differences. By leveraging dimensionality reduction algorithms, high-dimensional fMRI data can be represented in a low-dimensional space to characterize individual features. Such a representative space encodes the functional architecture of individuals and enables the observation of functional changes across time. However, determining comparable functional features across individuals in resting-state fMRI in a way that simultaneously preserves individual-specific connectivity structure can be challenging. In this work we propose scalable joint embedding to simultaneously embed multiple individual brain connectomes within a common space that allows individual representations across datasets to be aligned. Using Human Connectome Project data, we evaluated the joint embedding approach by comparing it to the previously established orthonormal alignment model. Alignment using joint embedding substantially increased the similarity of functional representations across individuals while simultaneously capturing their distinct profiles, allowing individuals to be more discriminable from each other. Additionally, we demonstrated that the common space established using resting-state fMRI provides a better overlap of task-activation across participants. Finally, in a more challenging scenario - alignment across a lifespan cohort aged from 6 to 85 - joint embedding provided a better prediction of age (r2 = 0.65) than the prior alignment model. It facilitated the characterization of functional trajectories across lifespan. Overall, these analyses establish that joint embedding can simultaneously capture individual neural representations in a common connectivity space aligning functional data across participants and populations and preserve individual specificity.


Licensed and Insured: 2 Traits Every Cincinnati HVAC Service Tech Should Have
by Greg Leisgang on April 8, 2014
Posted in: Service
When they require HVAC service, Cincinnati homeowners should look for contractors who are reliable, trustworthy and experienced. Whether you need repair work performed or you want to replace the outdated HVAC equipment in your home, always ask for references and check a company's history with the Better Business Bureau (BBB). To ensure top-notch service, one key question to ask each contractor is if they're licensed and insured.
These are two essential traits that every HVAC service tech should have, so let's consider what each one offers you:
Licensed
HVAC technicians must pass the comprehensive licensing examination offered through the Ohio Construction Industry Licensing Board (OCILB). To qualify to take the state exam, an individual must be a legal U.S. resident aged 18 or older. They must meet the state's requirements for experience in the trade and prove that they have five years of relevant work history. An applicant has to show proof of insurance coverage and disclose any prior convictions for disqualifying offenses, including felonies.
Before taking the exam, a technician must also complete a state and federal background check. Here in Cincinnati, state-licensed HVAC contractors must also register with the city's Department of Trade and Development. By only considering a contractor who's licensed, you'll know you're dealing with a reputable and qualified professional.
Insured
Licensed HVAC contractors must carry adequate insurance to protect customers against unforeseen damages or injuries. The City of Cincinnati's registration requires that a contractor provide proof of Worker's Compensation coverage, which is vital to shield you from liability in case a technician or other employee is injured while working in your home.
As part of their Ohio licensing application, HVAC contractors must prove that they carry $500,000 in liability insurance. This coverage protects you from damages caused to your home or bodily injuries that result from a technician's negligence. Since most homeowners' insurance policies don't cover such events, hiring an HVAC contractor who has this coverage in place is vital.
To schedule HVAC service in your Cincinnati home by a fully licensed and insured technician, contact us today at JonLe Heating & Cooling.
Image via Shutterstock.com


If you’re stuck in a rut, talking to destiny psychics can help you re-energize. These mediums can read the tarot to learn what fate has in store for you, including how to change your current path. The following six cards are portents of change, so look for them in your next psychic reading.
1. Wheel of Fortune
The Wheel of Fortune symbolizes fate, which influences all possible pathways. Usually, it foretells unexpected changes that the subject has no control over:
Winning the lottery Bumping into an old friend Getting laid off
An upright card usually indicates positive change, while the Wheel of Fortune reversed signals bad luck.
2. Death
As the best tarot online mediums know, getting the Death card can be scary for clients, but in most cases, it’s actually a positive sign. Death symbolizes endings and new beginnings; it rarely, if ever, foretells a literal demise. Instead, individuals can take this card as a sign of new opportunities and even a new phase of life. In some cases, you may have the chance to reinvent yourself or experience a spiritual rebirth.
3. The Tower
Lightning strikes a tower, sending two people plummeting to their deaths. The Tower represents sudden, life-shattering change. You cannot prevent it, nor can you mitigate the aftermath.
As dire as this sounds, the change foretold by The Tower isn’t always negative. In some cases, it’s the catalyst you need to reach your full potential.
4. Six of Swords
In traditional illustrations, the Six of Swords depicts a woman and child crossing a river by boat. The six swords that once burdened them now take the role of powerful protectors. This card signals a shift in power dynamics and the possibility of transitioning to a more temperate stage of life.
5. The Fool
The Fool sets off on a journey filled with naivete, his first step unknowingly taking him into danger. While it may sound off-putting, The Fool is primarily a positive card, signifying new journeys and youthful exuberance. The Fool is too inexperienced to notice signs of peril, allowing him to try, fail and learn from his mistakes.
6. Eight of Wands
Many versions of the Eight of Wands depict spears or arrows flying through the air. While this imagery may seem violent, it actually symbolizes movement with purpose. When this card appears, you may find yourself unexpectedly traveling, especially by plane. You may also have the opportunity to enact change, though it may require significant effort.
Being Open to Changes
Sometimes change only presents itself when you’re ready. It’s important to remember that everyone has agency, and your decisions affect the future. If you don’t see any of these six cards in your readings, you can ask the medium what you must do to invite inspiration into your life.When you feel like you’re going nowhere, a life path reading can provide guidance. You may need to be patient and wait for opportunities to emerge, or you may have to take the initiative and make those opportunities yourself. A tarot reading can help you identify the right choice and take control of your life.


These costs may include gear modification, configuration, and marking within the Northeast lobster and Jonah crab fisheries, both in federal and state waters.
The funding helps to address the impacts of the harmful right whale rule, provide direct payments to fishermen to help cover costs of compliance, and support vital research.
Sen. Angus King, I-Maine, and Rep. Chellie Pingree, D-1st Dist., have signed on as cosponsors of the bill, which would begin to help lobstermen cover the cost of complying with new regulations intended to protect right whales.


SPEAD 1.0 – Simulating Plankton Evolution with Adaptive Dynamics in a two-trait continuous fitness landscape applied to the Sargasso Sea Authors: Guillaume Le Gland, Sergio M. Vallina, S. Lan Smith, and Pedro Cermeño Photo by Pixabay Abstract
Diversity plays a key role in the adaptive capacity of marine ecosystems to environmental changes. However, modelling the adaptive dynamics of phytoplankton traits remains challenging due to the competitive exclusion of sub-optimal phenotypes and the complexity of evolutionary processes leading to optimal phenotypes. Trait diffusion (TD) is a recently developed approach to sustain diversity in plankton models by introducing mutations, therefore allowing the adaptive evolution of functional traits to occur at ecological timescales. In this study, we present a model called Simulating Plankton Evolution with Adaptive Dynamics (SPEAD) that resolves the eco-evolutionary processes of a multi-trait plankton community. The SPEAD model can be used to evaluate plankton adaptation to environmental changes at different timescales or address ecological issues affected by adaptive evolution. Phytoplankton phenotypes in SPEAD are characterized by two traits, the nitrogen half-saturation constant and optimal temperature, which can mutate at each generation using the TD mechanism. SPEAD does not resolve the different phenotypes as discrete entities, instead computing six aggregate properties: total phytoplankton biomass, the mean value of each trait, trait variances, and the inter-trait covariance of a single population in a continuous trait space. Therefore, SPEAD resolves the dynamics of the population’s continuous trait distribution by solving its statistical moments, wherein the variances of trait values represent the diversity of ecotypes.


OpenLabs is a blockchain-based peer review platform for scholarly research that promotes open science through the use of tokenomics and a robust reputation system. Our mission is to mitigate the replication crisis currently experienced in the soft sciences.
Reproducibility crisis is currently a major issue that plagues science due to the lack of replication or follow-up work. Hence, we seek to create an open platform on the blockchain where replication work is incentivized, credited and openly accessible. Our platform functions like a Github Issues for scientific research. At any stage of their research, researchers can list their project on our site and upload relevant supporting materials. All uploaded materials are tracked by version contol and can be reviewed by others (e.g. does the Python script work, is the dataset complete?). Our novel contribution is the Social Credits (SC) system, which are non-transferrable tokens (similar to Reddit's Karma) that can be earned through reviewing others' work. To post a review, one must stake a certain amount of Social Credits for fixed duration as collateral, which may be forfeit if the project author reports the review to be irrelevant or spam. Even when marked irrelevant, the review content remains accessible on the project page, so project authors do not gain from targeting well-meaning critics. Users can also experiment with decentralized governance on this platform. Any user can spend SCs to create 'Labs', which functions as groups that issue their own group-specific SCs. Users gain lab SCs in addition to normal SCs when they review projects that are affiliated with one or more labs. Projects become affiliated with a lab after users 'vouch' for its acceptance through spending the lab-specific SC, allowing for decentralized decision-making. This way, subsets of researchers with shared expertise can build their own community, scout out projects that are relevant, and make reciprocal contributions to one another's work.
How it's made
This project uses Ceramic to manage file version control and edit permission, allowing changes to project (e.g. modified scripts, updated datasets) to be publicly tracked and traceable. File contents are stored on web3.storage, and the generated IPFS links are recorded on Ceramic streams. Finally, the Ceramic stream ids are published to the blockchain to create a public ledger of projects and file indices. We use the IDX protocol to keep decentralized identitites of our users, including their profile picture and linked wallet addresses. Social Credits is derived from the ERC1155 class, with modified functions to prevent user-to-user transfer. This flexible token definition allows for the support of lab-specific NFTs in the future (idea: Each lab creating their own variant of 'Nobel prize' that are awarded based on voting with lab SCs). Our next step is to implement Chainlink to improve security, such as ensuring IPFS files with the correct content are supplied onto the blockchain. The Graph is also a potential solution to manage the large amount of data queries currently made through the frontend.Technologies used


A new fact sheet from the U.S. State Department highlights the military ties, secret nature, and suspicious research occurring at the Wuhan Insitute of Virology.
Believed by many to be the source of the virus, the Wuhan-based laboratory was highlighted in a January 15th document entitled “Fact Sheet: Activity at the Wuhan Institute of Virology.”
Including “previously undisclosed information,” the document highlights three areas of interest: “Illnesses inside the Wuhan Institute of Virology (WIV),” “Research at the WIV,” and “Secret military activity at the WIV.”
“A laboratory accident could resemble a natural outbreak if the initial exposure included only a few individuals and was compounded by asymptomatic infection. Scientists in China have researched animal-derived coronaviruses under conditions that increased the risk for accidental and potentially unwitting exposure,” the report adds.


There are numerous compelling reasons to utilize a VPN in educational environment. It not only protects your files from attackers but also allows you to circumvent censors and access international content. When using a VPN, it is equally critical for students to be responsible. If you use it for gaming, you may find yourself in hot water. Furthermore, utilizing a VPN to play online games can harm your grades, so use it prudently.
A VPN for school is an excellent method for unblocking content on a school network. The internet is often limited in schools, making torrents and continuous streaming impossible to access. Some schools will also restrict access to security tools such as VPNs, preventing students from using them. A VPN for school might help you stay hidden and undetected as a student. However, before utilizing one, make sure your school is compatible.
A high-quality VPN for the school includes a few essential features that distinguish it as the finest option. It should be compatible with major operating systems, making it easier to connect to social media sites. It should also provide high-speed connections and a limitless amount of capacity. The cost may be more, but if the VPN helps keep your connection running smoothly, it is well worth it.
Protects files from cybercriminals
One of the best ways to protect your files from cybercriminals is by backing up your data.
Cybercriminals are especially interested in institutions with huge sums of money to pay. They frequently target banks and government entities because they can extort money rapidly in exchange for the decryption key. Exclusive business information, designs, and other forms of data might also be targeted by cybercriminals. Some may be hacktivists, while others may be competitors seeking access to secret information through the use of a spy. Desperation can also drive an otherwise successful company or institution to take action to secure its files from thieves. Because cybercriminals often target networks through weaknesses, your data is at risk if your system is infected.
Helps you get past filters
One of the most prevalent uses of a VPN at school is to circumvent content screening. Using a VPN allows pupils to circumvent school screening and access websites otherwise be unable to access. VPNs serve various legitimate functions, including the protection of personal information and the provision of content from other locations to students. Students, on the other hand, are likely to be purposefully attempting to circumvent school filtering measures.
The best approach to avoid exposure to the school's WiFi is to use a VPN. In general, public Wi-Fi is insecure, and schools are required to follow the Digital Millennium Copyright Act. Students can browse the web invisibly and gain free access to online information by utilizing a VPN. VPNs function by encrypting data sent and received, making it hard for anyone to intercept it.
While VPNs can assist students in accessing websites, several institutions have severe restrictions on their use. Students who breach these restrictions may be punished, or major VPN services may be blocked. If you wish to remain anonymous at school, it is best to utilize a VPN. A VPN not only allows students to access websites but also protects them from cybercrime by masking their behavior. If you're looking for a VPN for school use, be sure it has appropriate security and privacy features.
Allows you to bypass firewalls
There are various ways to get through school firewalls, but how do you make them work for you? Obviously, it is dependent on your school's network security and how your firewall is configured. While school and corporate firewalls are annoying, keep in mind that they are designed to safeguard both your data and the network from hackers. Bypassing the firewall is frequently required for educational purposes; therefore, be informed of the school's security procedures before attempting to breach one.
You can get over your school's firewall by installing browser extensions that disguise your IP address and enable anonymous browsing. These are quite simple, but effective. You can also put popular browsers on a flash drive and insert them into your school device. Secondary schools are practically universal nowadays, and smartphones with 4G connectivity are commonplace. Hotspotting these gadgets is a widespread practice among students, allowing them to freely surf the internet.
Certain websites are frequently blocked on enterprise-level networks. Adult-content websites, torrent sites, and social media platforms are among the most often blacklisted websites. Learning how to get around these types of constraints as a student can be really beneficial. These networks resemble a miniature version of China's Great Firewall. Learning how to utilize these apps on your own computer is the best way to avoid them. These apps will assist you in navigating banned websites while also blocking websites that you do not want to view.
Limits ISP's ability to track your browsing habits
A new bill that limits ISPs' ability to track your browsing patterns in schools has generated debate about whether it is genuinely essential. If so, the law would be a success for privacy supporters, but it could be problematic for others who value their privacy. In recent years, ISPs have been accused of violating consumers' privacy and creating family maps based on their browsing behaviors. Despite the fact that the Senate bill does not require consent, the fact that it is merely a minor change may imply that it is insignificant.
The FCC, on the other hand, recently proposed a plan that would require large ISPs to disclose how they use and gather consumers' data. This implies that consumers should have the option to opt out, which is a daunting notion. However, there are alternatives. VPN services, Tor, HTTPS, and Tor, for example, all employ encryption to secure your browser history. However, even these alternatives are not entirely safe, and you will be exposed to ISP tracking.
Leave a comment
All comments are moderated. Spammy and bot submitted comments are deleted. Please submit the comments that are helpful to others, and we'll approve your comments. A comment that includes outbound link will only be approved if the content is relevant to the topic, and has some value to our readers.


According to a study performed by IBM, it takes 280 days to find and contain a cybersecurity attack. You need to implement cybersecurity to ensure your IP-based physical security tools remain impervious to cyber threats.
How do you secure your IP-based physical security tools using cybersecurity? Keep reading to learn about the best methods, tips, and security tools to protect your physical security with cybersecurity.
Install Access Control And Video Security To Protect Your Sensitive Security Data
When you invest in a security solution for protecting your spaces, you need to protect your security data from both a physical and digital standpoint. You can use cybersecurity software to protect your cloud-based security resources and ensure no unauthorized third party can access valuable security information and remote operation features.
However, a third party can gain access to your sensitive security data by accessing the spaces in which your security servers are held. You must ensure that no unauthorized user can access these spaces using stolen credentials.
One of the significant vulnerabilities in an access control system is the potential for a third party to get hold of access credentials and use them to move throughout your building and access your sensitive assets unchecked. To prevent this, you must ensure identity verification at your building's entrance and protect the areas in your building that house sensitive data.
You should integrate video surveillance and IP-based access control systems to confirm that credential-holders undergo identity management. If you do not incorporate these two security features, the identity verification process will be far more challenging for your system administrators and security staff. They will need to gather information from two different sources and correlate time stamps just to verify the identity of users. However, when you integrate both tools, your system administrators and security staff can view all security data on a single interface for simple and user-friendly identity verification.
To integrate surveillance and access control, you have two options. You can connect the access reader and security camera or invest in a solution with both tools in a single device. A video intercom reader acts as a standard intercom but only houses an access control reader and a high-definition video camera. This streamlined integration can ensure your IP-based physical security tools are protected with facial recognition. You can automate the identity verification process with facial recognition software.
Ensure Cyber And Physical Security Teams Are Coordinated
When it comes to IP-based physical security, you need to protect your physical security tools from both a physical and cyber standpoint. It could be difficult for physical security teams and IT staff to determine which security incidents fall under their domain.
To ensure a cohesive security strategy, you should coordinate your cyber and physical security teams. Your cyber team will be able to protect your cloud-based security resources with cybersecurity software. And your physical security team will better understand cybersecurity practices.
By coordinating both your cyber and physical security teams, you stand to gain the following benefits:
AI integrations- your cyber security team can integrate AI with your physical security tools to monitor security data and find anomalies. When the system detects a potential security threat, your team can receive mobile notifications that keep them constantly aware of security happenings. Workflow automation- when an incident occurs on your property, your cybersecurity experts can ensure a faster response with workflow automation. The automation will provide detailed workflows containing your incident response procedures and assign the workflow to a physical security team member. Manual task assignments can cause delays and slow down response times. Reduced workload- by merging the cyber and physical security workload, you can reduce the workload of each team. By reducing the workload, you may identify an opportunity to downsize your security staff. Integrate Cybersecurity Policies Into Physical Security Hardware
Zero-trust is a cybersecurity policy that protects companies from internal security breaches. Each user on the system is granted unique sets of permissions to access only the data they need to perform daily operations. If their device is breached or they try and steal valuable company information, they will only be able to access a limited amount of data.
You can apply the same policy to your physical security hardware. Simply because a user can enter the building does not mean they should be able to access the company's most valuable resources. So, to prevent an internal security breach, you should protect all areas housing sensitive assets with physical security - smart door locks and surveillance.
Leverage Integrated Data
You can use reporting and analytics to leverage your integrated security data and identify any vulnerabilities in your system. If you implement a fully integrated security system, your security data will be accessible in one place, making it easier to analyze and leverage. Any gaps in your existing security strategy will be visible, and you can adapt your security strategy to minimize risk.
Summary
You must protect IP-based security data from both a physical and cyber standpoint. If you're considering implementing IP-based security in your building, you must merge your cyber and physical security teams. It is also advisable to apply zero trust and protect areas in your building that are home to your most valuable company assets and security data.
Leave a comment
All comments are moderated. Spammy and bot submitted comments are deleted. Please submit the comments that are helpful to others, and we'll approve your comments. A comment that includes outbound link will only be approved if the content is relevant to the topic, and has some value to our readers.


Harvest Equipment Harvest Equipment
- Forage Box
o Pull Type
o Truck Mounted
- Grain Augers & Corn
- Grain Carts
- Gravity Wagons
- Stalk Chopper & Flails
- Vegetable
- …Other
Get your grain cart ready for harvest season!
The grain cart is a diligent piece of equipment that works hard during harvest season. As it is an important piece in the process, you’ll want to be sure it is in good condition before putting it to work. Follow these preseason maintenance tips to sustain its quality condition.
- Inspect augers for noticeable wear; over time, augers will become smaller in diameter, weakening their performance as a whole. Inspect for wear particularly where grain transitions from the horizontal to vertical auger or from the lower to upper vertical auger. These regions are high wear areas and when worn, cause slow unload times and extra tension on other components of the cart.
- Check the PTO/drive belts; ensure they are accurately adjusted and that the serviceable parts of the PTO shafts are sufficiently greased. Check alignment and for heavy cracks in the grooves. Be sure linkage is free to move, engages, and disengages easily.
- Check the gearbox oil; check oil level and condition, replace if needed.
- Scale accuracy; inspect all grain cart scale wires for damage
- Hydraulic hoses; look for visible wear spots or leaks
- Safety chains; check quality of condition and ensure they are securely attached
- Lights and SMV sign; make sure safety features are functional and fully visible
- General lubrication points; ensure all are functional and greased prior to start time (track wheels, auger hinge area, PTO vertical auger bearing, etc.)
- Tarp; make sure there are no tears or wear spots, ensure that it rolls easily and has accurate tension when closed.
[Links to Equipment Type Guides/Manuals]
[Links to Equipment Type Video]
Manufacturers
- Agrimaster
- A&L
- Alloway
- Artsway
- Badger
- Balzer
- Batco
- Besler
- Bomford
- Bradford
- Brady
- Brandt
- Brent
- Brillion
- Burchland
- Case IH
- Demco
- DMI
- E-Z Trail
- Farm King
- Feterl
- Ficklin
- Ford
- Frontier
- Gehl
- Geringhoff
- Gruetts
- Harvest International
- Hiniker
- Horst
- Huskee
- Hutchinson
- J&M
- John Deere
- Killbros
- Kinze
- Krone
- Kuhn
- Loftness
- Mathews Company
- Mayrath
- McConnel
- Meyer
- Miller Pro
- New Holland
- Parker
- Peck
- REM
- Rhino
- Spearhead Twiga Flex
- Sudenga
- Unverferth
- Westendorf
- Westfield
- Woods
Locate and purchase the farming equipment you need without all the hassle. Lancaster Farming’s Equipment Locator is designed to help you buy and sell equipment quickly and painlessly so you can get back to doing what you do best, farming.
Simply search the Farming Equipment Locator equipment listings below for the latest machinery for sale; search by machine model number, equipment type, or brand or browse the farming categories in the navigation.
Displaying listings 1 - 12 of 25Filter Your Results
$2,500
Heidel Hollow Farm, Inc.
Germansville, PA 610-767-2409
$57,500
WOOD LAKE FARM
Woodbury, PA 814-766-2119
Call For Price
DILLER EQUIPMENT
Boswell, PA 814-629-9893


Updated: Aug 19, 2021
Do you remember being so desperately thirsty you would drink almost anything? Working and playing outside in the heat of summer demands that we stay hydrated. We are advised to drink water before we feel like we need it to avoid dehydration.
The first year I played football in high school I was introduced to August "two-a-day” practices. This was “back in the day” when coaches thought part of conditioning was not allowing players to have water until the practice was over. They apparently thought this would make us tough.
At one point in the practice, the coaches had us running laps between drills. While running in the August heat with full pads, I noticed a ditch next to the field with water flowing through it.
Yes, I did.
I was so thirsty, I ran down the ditch, scooped a handful of water, and ran back up and rejoined the rest of the team.
You say, “That is disgusting?”
Yes, it is.
"It could have made you very sick!” you add.
You are right
How could I do it?
I was desperate.
I may have been on the verge of heat exhaustion and was so thirsty I wasn’t thinking logically.
While everyone knows what it is like to be thirsty and hungry, I suspect most people have never been without water and food long enough to nearly die.
God uses our understanding of physical thirst to help us understand spiritual thirst. We may not realize it, but we need the Spirit of God in our lives even more than we need water.
A woman in Jesus’ day had such a bad reputation, she would only go out to draw water from a well during a time when no one else would be there—the hottest part of the day. Jesus met her there and said,
Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks the water I give him will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life (John 4:13-14).
God offers “water” that not only satisfies our deepest thirst but also becomes a spring providing living water for others.
If you were desperate for water, what would you pay for it?
Anything.
If you realized you were spiritually dying of thirst, what would you pay for water; living water—spiritual satisfaction?
Surely, you’d pay anything.
Prepare to be shocked…
Those who are desperate for God, for His living water, that quenches the deepest thirst of our souls, may have it for FREE!
Sure, it sounds unbelievable. Some will surely say, "What? Free? No way! It can’t be!”
But it is free. God offers Himself, His satisfaction, and His forgiveness to us without cost!
God calls out to all mankind,
Come, all you who are thirsty, come to the waters; and you who have no money, come, buy and eat! Come, buy wine and milk without money and without cost (Isaiah 55:1).
So, are you thirsty?
As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, O God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God (Psalm 42:1-2a).
Yes, He is the same One who created us, died for us, and one day will judge us.
But today, He offers to forgive and satisfy our thirst.
In His Revelation, He announces,
“It is done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. To him who is thirsty I will give to drink without cost from the spring of the water of life” (Rev. 21:6).
Don’t try to satisfy your soul with the filthy ditch-water of this world and religious games.
Go to the Lord and receive His living water!
Once you do, He will quench your deepest thirst and you’ll become a spring overflowing with His living waters to others!
Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, streams of living water will flow from within him" (Jn 7:38).
If you are ready to surrender to the Lord Jesus Christ and drink deeply from the water of life, turn to Him and trust Him now.
We would love to hear from you and help you to follow Christ. Just contact us!
For information on how you can help drill wells and provide water for a thirsty world, please visit Samaritan's Purse:


Multicolored carrots. Stephen Ausmus. USDA ARS Image Number K11611-1. Wikimedia Howard Fischer Uppsala, Sweden
I was “rotating” through the pediatric service in an American general hospital. As a sixth-year student of a European medical school, I had been allowed to return home for my year of clinical duties before graduation.
One day, during pediatric rounds, a resident presented an infant who had been admitted because of vomiting and diarrhea. The goal of the hospitalization was to prevent the child from becoming dehydrated.
“So, Howard,” the chief of pediatrics asked me, “How would you treat this patient?”
I responded by reciting what I had learned in Europe. “You take one liter of water, add a few hundred grams of carrots and a pinch of salt. You boil the carrots and then you give the infant this carrot water to drink. If you don’t have carrots handy, you can use rice.”
Silence. What I heard was stunned silence after my recitation. Everyone, service chief, residents, and American medical students looked at me as if I had come from Mars. The chief then discussed intravenous rehydration, and the use of oral balanced electrolyte solutions for mild cases of gastroenteritis.
I learned a lesson: Some treatment styles do not cross oceans easily.
HOWARD FISCHER, MD, was a professor of pediatrics at Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan.


Consumer mobile health applications (mHealth apps) hold enormous potential to provide effective, efficient, economical, and scalable chronic health care. The opportunities afforded by these interventions to positively disrupt traditional chronic care models are significant, but require a cumulative evidence base to inform policy and practice. Evaluating these interventions, however, presents unique challenges. Traditional research methods are poorly suited to accommodate the rapidly changing technology landscape, which requires mHealth apps to constantly evolve and update just to remain usable, let alone effective. Moreover, they cannot characterize the complex, multilevel, and temporally dense patterns of effective engagement required to realize improved outcomes. This program of research sought to (1) investigate the complexity of conducting innovative evaluations of consumer mHealth apps for chronic conditions, and (2) build a research analytics platform to streamline evaluations and optimize mHealth apps. We established in Study 1 that mHealth evaluation methodology has rarely deviated from common methods, despite the need for more relevant and timely evaluations. This finding led us to explore the potential of analytic research methods in Study 2, where we discerned that digital health innovators were gaining nuanced insights into engagement, but had not yet characterized effective engagement for improved outcomes. To support innovators with this effort, our research in Study 3 focused on designing, developing, and evaluating a resource to consolidate, analyze, and visualize analytic indicators of effective engagement. The Analytics Platform to Evaluate Effective Engagement with digital health interventions—APEEE for short—provided innovators with a means to characterize the breadth and depth of mHealth app engagement required to achieve intended outcomes. Motivated by the potential for APEEE to power data-driven research methods, we directed Study 4 toward studying the implementation of the platform—and research analytics more broadly—in digital health evaluative practice, and surfaced the rich complexity of engaging in this practice to evidence mHealth apps. Raising the standard of mHealth evidence may enable greater confidence in the causal effect of apps on improved chronic health outcomes. It is this opportunity afforded by innovative research methods to close the gap between promised and realized health benefits that is most meaningful.


Written and narrated by the author, Carmen Viktoria Gamper.
Just as adults benefit from talking about their challenges with friends or a therapist, many children benefit from processing upsetting experiences during pretend play. Perhaps you’ve noticed that when children freely play with blocks, stuffed animals, dolls or action figures, they frequently create pretend worlds. They craft exciting tales that are a mix of recognizable real-life events, movies and shows, and completely invented stories.
During this kind of pretend play, children frequently experience the “flow state,” which is a deep state of focus that allows them to balance their thoughts and emotions in alignment with their stage of development. This kind of play is an innately healing activity that provides children a way to safely re-experience events they perceived as confusing or frightening within a context that makes sense to them.
Children’s inner tension can stem from challenging real-life events, such as a doctor’s visit; or from overhearing a parental conflict; or from virtual events, like seeing something scary on TV. In fact, “playing out” frightening screen content is particularly important because it allows...
Carmen Viktoria Gamper has worked internationally as an educator, advisor, coach and speaker for child-centered education. As founder of the New Learning Culture program, she supports parents, homeschooling families and schools in safely offering child-directed, flow-rich learning environments.


The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development recognizes trade as an essential means of implementation for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Aid for Trade (AfT) is a mechanism which aims to support developing countries in building the capacity and infrastructure so that they can benefit from and engage in trade. AfT is an integral part of the SDG 8, in particular target 8a. on increasing AfT support for developing countries and least developed countries (LDCs). This working paper has benefited from comments shared on a previous draft by a group of various stakeholders to whom we are grateful. These insights were shared at a meeting at Quaker House in Geneva on 28 October 2021. This is a work in progress and we welcome further comments. This is the fourth paper in the series on Trade and Environmental Sustainability, which also includes papers on the topics of circular economy, environmental goods and services, and fossil fuel subsidy reform.


Milford Truck Accident Attorneys
Collisions involving commercial trucks are often deadly events. According to the Federal Government, 4,960 people lost their lives due to truck collisions in 2020. Contact the Milford truck accident lawyers at Carter Mario Law Firm to learn how we can represent you if you or a family member were killed or injured in a trucking collision.
Trust Carter Mario’s 30+ Years of Experience
High-limit insurance policies usually insure commercial trucks. As a result of this insurance coverage and the severe injuries victims suffer, insurance companies spare no expense in defending truck accident lawsuits. The award-winning Milford truck accident attorneys at Carter Mario Law Firm have successfully litigated complex truck accident cases against large insurance companies for over 30 years.
What To Do After a Collision with a Truck
If you can do so without risking your safety or further injury, contact the police and photograph the area where the collision occurred along with the vehicles. You should also identify possible witnesses and provide their information to the police. Next, you should obtain medical treatment as soon as possible. Finally, you should talk with a truck accident attorney in Milford to help with your claim.
Determining Responsibility in a Trucking Accident
Federal law requires truck drivers to undergo training and hold commercial driver’s licenses. Additionally, the trucking industry is highly regulated due to the heavy cargo loads carried by trucks. Despite these regulations, truck accidents are often the result of the following:
Improper or distracted driving Lack of proper maintenance Illegal maneuvers Speeding Excessive or improperly secured cargo loads Lack of sleep Drivers who drive while under the influence of drugs or alcohol Proving Negligence in a Truck Accident Claim
In a personal injury case, the victim bears the burden of proving the truck driver caused the collision by a preponderance of the evidence,
i.e., 51%. One of the benefits of the laws regulating the trucking industry is that truck drivers and trucking companies are required to maintain extensive records. Specifically, trucking companies and truck drivers must maintain repair records, training records, background checks, drug and alcohol testing records, travel logs, sleep logs, and black box data. These records may help build a strong case which proves the truck driver’s negligence. Comparing Truck Collisions with Other Vehicles
Compared to other vehicles, commercial trucks are significantly larger and heavier. As a result, truck collisions often cause innocent motorists to suffer more severe physical injuries. This is because an impact involving a commercial truck involves more weight and kinetic energy as opposed to a collision involving a regular passenger vehicle.
Trucking Accident Injuries
Victims of collisions involving commercial trucks suffer various fatal and nonfatal injuries. Common truck accident injuries include:
Broken bones Torn muscles Burns Lacerations Neck injuries Back and spinal cord injuries Head injuries Traumatic brain injuries
Due to the severity of these injuries, truck accident victims often require extensive medical treatment.
Potential Damages Resulting from a Truck Accident Claim
Under Connecticut State Law, you can claim economic and non-economic damages if you were injured in a truck accident. Specifically, you can claim economic damages for your related medical expenses and lost wages. You can also claim non-economic damages for the physical pain and mental suffering you endured.
Truck Accident FAQ
Truck accidents are often life-altering events. Victims usually suffer severe injuries that prevent them from working or resuming their regular activities. The experienced Milford truck accident attorneys at Carter Mario Law Firm frequently advise victims on navigating the personal injury process.
How Long Do I Have to File a Truck Accident Claim?
Connecticut imposes a two-year statute of limitations on most personal injury claims, including truck accidents. This means you have two years from the crash date to file a lawsuit. Your claim will be barred if you fail to file a lawsuit within this two-year timeframe.
Can You Sue the Driver or Trucking Company for an Accident?
You can potentially sue both the driver and the trucking company. Specifically, you can sue the driver under a theory of negligence. If the driver was a direct employee of the trucking company, you can pursue a respondeat superior claim which allows you to hold the trucking company legally responsible for the truck driver’s negligence.
How Much Does a Milford Trucking Collision Attorney Cost?
The truck accident attorneys at Carter Mario Law Firm are retained on a contingency fee basis. This means you pay no upfront legal fees. Our attorneys are only paid if they obtain a favorable settlement or judgment on your behalf.
Honest, Effective, & Reliable – That’s Carter Mario
The Milford truck accident attorneys at Carter Mario Law Firm have spent over 30 years building a reputation of honest and effective representation. This can be seen in the numerous favorable reviews we have earned and the fact we have obtained over
one billion dollars in compensation for our injured clients. To learn about the representation we can provide, contact us today.


Abstract
Background: In 1991, NIOSH established the Alaska Field Station in collaboration with the Alaska Department of Health and Social Services, to prevent work-related deaths. Working through partnerships and by applying the public health model, Alaska experienced a 49% decline in work-related deaths from 1990 - 1999. Many of the hazards faced by Alaskan workers were exacerbated by the remoteness and cold environment. Additional prevention efforts have continued. Methods: The Alaska Occupational Injury Surveillance System was used to identify all fatal work-related traumatic injuries that occurred since 1999. Data are available on age, gender, occupation/industry, weather and circumstances of death. Results: During 2000 - 2009, there were 379 occupational fatalities in Alaska. This is a decrease of 41.5% from the previous decade. The occupations accounting for the highest number of fatalities continued to be commercial fishermen (111, 29%) and pilots (47, 12%). The most common events or exposures leading to fatalities also remained the same. They were related to vessels such as sinkings or falls overboard (128, 34%), aircraft crashes (87, 23%), contact with objects (46, 12%), vehicle crashes (35, 9%) and assaults (29, 8%). Conclusions: Although the occupations with the most fatalities and the events exposures leading to traumatic deaths have not changed from the decade of the 1990s to the 2000 - 2009 decade, there continues to be a substantial decline in the number of work related fatalities in Alaska. NIOSH has reported that fatality rates among crab fishermen have declined by 60% since 1999. Additionally, the aviation crash rate has declined by 34% since 2000. Interventions that have been developed in Alaska since 2000 include stability checks for the Bering Sea crab fleet, and the Capstone Program to improve aviation safety. Progress has been made, but there remains a need for continued safety interventions to combat the unique work hazards found in Alaska.


Almost six million households are struggling to afford essential communication services such as their mobile phone, broadband and landline as the cost-of-living crisis worsens, a consumer group has warned. Which? has called on the Government to cut VAT on household telecoms bills on the back of Ofcom data showing that an estimated 5.7 million households experienced problems such as having to reduce spending on other essentials, cancelling or changing their service or missing payments in the month of April.
The number of households that experienced multiple affordability issues - for example, who had struggled to afford more than one telecoms service or made more than one financial adjustment to afford their telecoms - increased by 56% from February to April, the figures show. An estimated 3.5 million households reduced their spending on other essential items, such as food and clothes, to afford their connectivity services in April, up from an estimated 2.2 million in February - a 59% increase.
One in five lower income households (22%) reduced spending elsewhere to afford connectivity services in April. This figure was one in eight (13%) for middle income households - almost doubling from 7% in February.
Which? said the fact that so many households had chosen to prioritise their telecoms services during the cost-of-living crisis “further demonstrates just how essential these services are to modern life”. However, this was not reflected in how these services are taxed, the watchdog said, urging the next prime minister to reduce the amount of VAT paid on telecoms from 20% to 5% in line with other essentials such as gas and electricity.
It noted that even the most financially vulnerable consumers were charged 20% VAT for social tariffs. It estimated that reducing the VAT rate on telecoms to 5% would save the average household £120 per year.
Which? has also urged providers to support any customers struggling to afford their bills and to make them aware of any discounts they may be eligible for. Which? director of policy and advocacy Rocio Concha said: “The fact that millions of households have made sacrifices to prioritise their broadband and mobile connections during the cost-of-living crisis demonstrates just how essential these services are for day-to-day modern life."
A Government spokesman said: “We understand that people are struggling with rising prices which is why we have acted to protect the eight million most vulnerable British families through at least £1,200 of direct payments this year with additional support for pensioners and those claiming disability benefits.
“We have also secured strong commitments from broadband and mobile companies to help those worried about their bills during this difficult time, such as allowing them to move to cheaper packages without charge or penalty, or agreeing manageable payment plans.”
For more stories from where you live, visit InYourArea. Find recommendations for eating out, attractions and events near you here on our sister website 2Chill Find recommendations for dog owners and more doggy stories on our sister site Teamdogs


for Audi, BMW, Land Rover, Jaguar, Mercedes,
Mini, Porsche & Volkswagen Repair
for Audi, BMW, Land Rover, Jaguar, Mercedes,
Mini, Porsche & Volkswagen Repair
When it comes to offering comfort, no other car is as comfortable as
Mercedes. The company has been striving to improve its vehicles, with each model featuring the latest technology to ensure safety and comfort.
A significant step to maintaining the features your Mercedes offers is following routine maintenance. Quality service helps ensure the longevity of your Mercedes. However, when you fail to take proper care of your vehicle, it can cause undue wear and tear, and one of such parts that could be affected is your
thermostat. The thermostat is an essential part of your engine’s cooling system, and when it breaks down, your engine is at an increased risk of overheating.
The thermostat is like a valve that opens and closes to regulate the temperature that circulates to the engine, creating an optimum working condition for your system. Hence, it is the responsibility of your thermostat to adjust the temperature. When it fails, this causes your engine to become either too hot or too cold, consequently affecting your vehicle’s performance.
Discussed below are some of what causes your thermostat to fail in your Mercedes.
When a coolant leak happens, you should get your trusted technician to diagnose it as soon as possible because coolant leaks, when left unattended, can cause more severe damage to your engine.
When it comes to
European cars, you should opt for an auto service center that has extensive experience and qualifications for your Mercedes. European Service Center works exclusively with European brand cars, so we know exactly how to repair, replace, and maintain your Mercedes. Whether it is a broken thermostat repair or general maintenance, we are the mechanics to call for high-quality European car service.
At the
European Service Center, we provide quality auto service to residents of Georgia and Texas. We believe everyone deserves exceptional auto service, which is why we offer our services in multiple locations throughout the Atlanta and Dallas areas. If you live within the areas of Alpharetta, Chamblee, Norcross, Dunwoody, Buckhead, Roswell, and Atlanta, GA, you should call or visit one of our shops for help! Give us a call today to schedule a convenient appointment and allow us to earn your business.


Can a Parent Claim Costs of Raising a Child Born following Mix-up in IVF Procedure?
If you and your spouse went through an In-Vitro Fertilisation (IVF) procedure, only to find out that a complete stranger's sperm was fertilised with your egg instead of your husband's, one can imagine the emotional turmoil following such an outcome
Dealing with this unpleasant event can emotionally and mentally damage couples and their families, especially in cases when the expectation is to be able to give birth to a child who shares both parents’ genes and physical features, not just one of them. As it turns out, this scenario actually occurred in the seminal case of ACB v Thomson Medical Pte Ltd [2017] SGCA 20.
: The Appellant underwent an IVF treatment and delivered a baby daughter. When the baby was conceived, the baby's hair and skin tone were different from either of her parents. Subsequently, it was discovered that the Appellant's egg had been fertilised with another stranger's sperm instead of her husband's. As a result, the couple suffered emotional pain and wanted to seek damages for the full costs of raising the baby. Facts : The Court then had to decide whether a parent can claim the costs of raising a child born following a mix-up in the IVF procedure. Issue
The Appellant wanted to be awarded for costs she would incur in raising the child ("
upkeep costs") and recovery for loss of autonomy. : The Court rejected awarding the first claim for upkeep costs as it would have been nearly impossible to place a monetary value on parenthood. Furthermore, the parent's involvement in the lawsuit would conflict with their parental duties since they would be attempting to prove that the child is a liability by exaggerating their infirmities and downplaying any benefits just to justify the upkeep costs. Outcome
The Court also rejected the recovery for "
loss of autonomy" as it is an actionable injury in its own right. Furthermore, the concept of " autonomy" is ambiguous and disputed as a ground for claims under the law. Recognition of "genetic affinity"
However, in a significant decision by the Court, they acknowledged the losses suffered by the Appellant and her spouse because of the IVF mix-up arising from an interest in genetic affinity. This is because the bond between parents and their children is established through shared ancestry and commonalities in their physical traits and personality.
The Court noted that this interest in affinity does affect not only the parent and child but also the family's relationship with society. As Singapore is a multi-racial country, the loss of genetic affinity is more significant as race, culture, and ethnic identity hold a significant role in Singapore.
Award of Damages/Compensation
Although the Court eventually awarded a sum of 30% of the Appellant’s financial costs for raising the child, the Court had some remarks about the damages computation. In such a novel case, there is a clear tension between using monetary terms to quantify the grief and suffering of the parents as compared to the value of the loss suffered by parents when their child is not aligned with their genetic wishes is not appropriate to be individualised.
The Court noted that any such damage computation would be arbitrary and offensive to the moral values; it would also be unfair to not award any damages to the Appellant for the Respondents’ negligence as well.
In conclusion, this rather unprecedented case is certainly not an easy moral or legal conundrum to resolve. However, if you and your spouse find yourselves in a similar situation, you can always seek help from our
family lawyers who can better able to guide you through this difficult process.


Achieving data-driven performance management
Reading Time 6 mins
Recent events have accelerated a topic that has long been debated in global, dispersed operations. How do you drive performance in a consistent and data-driven way? And how do you make sure it is personalised, targeted and human? Most importantly, how do you deliver it in such a way that it is moving the needle on your day-to-day metrics, strategic goals, and your customer experience?
In this article, key members of the Gobeyond Partners team give their views on how this can be done holistically, by leveraging our Achieve Performance Management analytics tool.
New challenges
With very different and unsettling realities previously unthinkable for many now the norm, two major challenges have presented themselves.
1. Dispersed teams need a fresh approach to work management
How teams communicate and the rhythms they use to deliver work will both need adaptation. With the near removal of opportunity for spontaneous conversation, ideation and collaboration commonplace in physical environments, the dispersed nature of operations for the foreseeable future will require far more structure to function effectively.
With 48% of leaders believing their current performance management processes are weak at driving business value, structure and discipline matters now more than ever. Whether conducting purposeful virtual meetings, acting on Key Performance Indicators or utilising intelligent analytics to highlight trends and outliers, there must be a considered adjustment of plans and priorities to reflect reality.
As we continue to support clients, we’ve observed that teams with strong operational discipline already in place are finding it easier to transition and adjust, with the learning curve much steeper for those with less mature approaches.
While we may not see quite the same levels of volatility and change as we did at the outset of the crisis, an ability to review, interrogate and drive action based on real-time data is paramount.
2. Colleagues need tailored support
Relative performance between colleagues can and will differ. In some cases, performance may improve due to home circumstances being more conducive to their personality types; for others, declines can be expected. This should influence the management focus individuals should be receiving, and the coaching style that is most effective.
With 37% of colleagues currently unhappy with the support and coaching received as they adjust to new ways of working and expectations, there is still much more to be done here.
Employee profiling can help explore the drivers and preferences of team members, and better distribute work according to ability; however, caution should be applied to ensure people aren’t placed into arbitrary categories.
By understanding behaviours and performance for each individual, you can establish actionable recommendations and tailored coaching to provide timely support. When this can scale across organisations, blending operational data and predictive analytics to model the impact of change and incorporate real-world performance in shorter loops, you empower everyone in your business to deliver improvements.
Our solution, successfully deployed in multi-site and virtual operations - empowering managers, team leaders and advisors to take control of their own performance
As understanding of drivers and outcomes increase, this may require teams to be reformed, based as much around the qualities and characteristics of individuals as it is around their professional skillset and functional responsibilities, with organisational design operating models adapting and flexing to enable this.
An opportunity to become better
While these challenges can seem like another problem to address alongside the changes in customer demand and logistical or technical hurdles of working differently, we should view them as a unique opportunity to reset and deliver a strong sense of value for everyone in your business.
We believe three significant opportunities should be recognised:
1. A focus on outcomes, not tasks
Clear, defined outcomes that are understood by all become more important than the ‘to-do list’. There is often a tendency in remote environments for teams to become more focused on tasks to complete, with interactions becoming more transactional in nature.
To align teams, embed disciplines and maximise connection are important bedrocks. However, delivering these in the context of ‘principles over process’ where possible will deliver the real transformation and performance gains.
Becoming more outcome driven drives further focus and scrutiny on the right Key Performance Indicators (KPIs). Where dashboard reports are typically packed with multiple metrics and visualisations, now is the time to ask whether measures such as Average Handling Time or more transactional based satisfaction measures are really the right way to assess how effectively broader customer need is being met?
2. Balance frequent interval controls with a view of longer-term goals
With a focus on outcomes and a slimmer set of measures comes a broader understanding of how every colleague brings value to the organisation, increasing their ability and propensity to deliver during critical moments.
It is important, though, to strike the right balance between maintaining a manageable cadence, keeping energy levels and focus up, while reflecting on wider business objectives. Regular ‘social time’ for teams to decompress, reflect and realign their focus should feature in calendars, with more structure and frequency needed in remote working scenarios.
3. Use data more effectively
Combining disparate data sources, understanding end-to-end performance and identifying remedial action was an increasing priority pre-COVID. As teams are increasingly dispersed, this need becomes ever-more critical.
Combining key operational metrics into a high-level dashboard alone is no longer enough. We must also overlay customer and colleague engagement metrics including sentiment and emotional analysis, with algorithms highlighting overall trends and outliers, to drive further investigation of future roadblocks or areas of untapped opportunity.
While better use of data will play a huge role in building understanding and delivering improvements, it should never wholly replace ad hoc human interaction and more anecdotal sources.
Our key recommendations
The potent combination of uncertain global economics, rapidly shifting customer demand and reduced interaction, particularly between front-line colleagues and leaders, is creating a need to double-down on key operational disciplines.
In summary, our recommendations to ameliorate the challenges and seize the opportunities we discuss above are:
Maintain focus on the core KPIs that are closely entwined with your organisational objectives. Not every manager is comfortable analysing data, but there are now lots of new ways you can introduce real data into 1:1 performance discussions Acknowledge any issues and communicate them broadly to build trust, camaraderie and a sense of everyone pulling in the same direction Take a whole company approach with consistency across all functions, aligned to strategic objectives
While micromanagement may be required in certain situations to manage performance and maintain focus, this should be done by exception only. Empowering colleagues to understand their own performance and drive improvement will help sustain highly motivated, adaptable teams for the future.
Rester informé. Ne manquez jamais nos mises à jour par e-mail.
Nous stockerons ces données conformément à notre politique de confidentialité et à notre processus pour l'utilisation prévue. Nous ne partagerons pas vos données personnelles avec des tiers.


Funeral homes provide essential services for the deceased and their families. Unfortunately, sometimes funeral homes fail to meet the expectations of those they serve, leading to negligence cases. Funeral home negligence can take many forms, from failing to properly prepare the body for burial to mishandling the funeral arrangements. If you believe that your loved…